Ode to: 'Cowbell' bags

Indulging in a personal fixation on a particular purse shape.

Lately it dawned on me that my taste for handbags is pretty predictable. I already know that I love lightweight and buttery soft bags the most, but then I realized there’s also a particular silhouette that always tempts me.

I’ve come to call this kind of bag “the cowbell bag”. The name was actually coined by my husband, who first used it to describe a Tory Burch bag I have because he thought it looked like a cowbell. Meaning: a small top handle on a small, boxy body. 

Pre-pandemic subway ootd with the OG Tory Burch cowbell.

Here are other “cowbell bags” that have caught my eye so far… 

Although there’s still a range of shapes here, I consider all of them to be in the cowbell class because the body is taller than it is wide or at least square-ish, which sets them apart from all the top handles out there with a more horizontal body. Anyway, clockwise from top left: Loro Piana Micro Bale | Tod’s Micro Bag | Mini Lady Dior | Mas Quinta | Hermès Picotin

I have a few theories on why I’m drawn to this shape.

1. It occurred to me while writing this post that some of these can be considered bucket bags (Bale, Picotin). And when I think of bucket bags, I think of ease, which is always appealing. Just drop some stuff in and head out. 

2. These are all on the small side and mostly taller than they are wide, which I think is petite-friendly, maybe even elongating.

3. Am I just subconsciously dreaming of a leisure-filled life where I don’t have to give into the functional security of a tote or crossbody? (I know some of these have optional straps, but I much prefer them as little top handles, visually.)

Whatever it is, I think I’ll be spotting “cowbells” for the rest of my life. But how many will I actually buy? Definitely can’t be every one that I come across and fancy 😅 Maybe I’ll pursue one at some point but if it doesn’t happen, that’s perfectly fine with me.

I believe you can love things without buying them, that the process of discovery can become more interesting than the thrill of consumption. With handbags, I find it fun enough to just get to know them (especially since I already have trouble getting ample use out of my existing collection). Different brands, designs, details, craft, history, reputation, drama. Comparing and contrasting. Drawing connections. “Cowbell bag” is like a little inside joke I have with myself and it lets me appreciate these purses in a more personal way without purchasing them to own.

Got any bags stuck on your mind? What’s your threshold for deciding a bag is worth trying to buy vs. simply thinking fondly of?

— Jenny

Previously…

Ode to: My 3 most used bags